An Illinois judge has tentatively set a trial date well before the November general election in a workplace retaliation lawsuit against Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Duckworth.
Union County Judge David Boie at a hearing Thursday rejected an effort by government lawyers to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to go to trial in August and remain a campaign issue for Duckworth. The Illinois congresswoman faces Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk in November.
Duckworth did not attend the hearing. Two employees at a southern Illinois home for veterans allege ethics violations against Duckworth while she led the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
Republicans have highlighted the case, seeking to thwart Duckworth's bid against Kirk. Duckworth's supporters call it a twice-dismissed nuisance suit resuscitated to embarrass her politically.